ECOEL - Sustainable electronics from bio-based hybrid materials

According to the WHO, electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, posing a significant environmental and health problem. The rapid growth of e-waste, driven by the short lifespan of electronic products, results in the loss of valuable materials and the accumulation of non-degradable waste fractions. In particular, synthetic plastic and polymer materials derived from fossil raw materials, which are widely used in electronics, make up a substantial share of e-waste. On the other hand, side streams from the forest-based bioeconomy, such as sawdust, recycled fibres, and lignin, provide a local and cost-effective source of raw materials for producing various high-value, plastic-like bioproducts. By combining wood-based materials and structures, such as films, porous foams, or coatings, with metals and semiconductors, it is possible to manufacture so-called green electronics components and devices (hybrid structures) in which problematic plastic structures have been replaced with renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials.

In the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, there is significant research and business activity in both the electronics (especially telecommunications) and bioeconomy (especially wood processing) sectors, but collaboration between these sectors is still very limited. The project brings together companies and research institutions from the bioeconomy and electronics fields to create a regional circular economy model. This model will enable the use of local biomaterials to replace fossil-based materials (especially plastics and other synthetic polymers) currently used in electronics, reduce the amount of electronic waste, and improve the recyclability of electronic devices. This concept supports the sustainable utilization of local bio-based side streams in high-value-added products and promotes cooperation between different sectors (bioeconomy, ICT, and circular economy).

The main objectives of the project are

1. To design and develop new biomaterials from local bio-based side streams, especially from the by-products of wood processing, to replace fossil-based plastics and polymers in electronics, with the aim of minimizing the environmental impacts of electronics, improving recyclability, and developing commercially potential concepts
2. To assess the performance of bio-based materials in composite electronic components and devices, especially in wireless communication applications, in order to develop more environmentally sustainable electronics
3. To investigate and improve the lifetime, recyclability, sorting, and biodegradability of bio-based composite components and devices to minimize the generation of e-waste and to enhance material efficiency
4. To promote cross-sectoral collaboration by establishing an operational model for green electronics research, development, implementation, and commercialization.

The project contributes to the creation of new commercially promising high-value-added bioproduct and electronics concepts based on local wood processing side streams, with the aim of improving e-waste recycling and material efficiency. In addition, it strengthens cross-sectoral collaboration and the formation of new partnerships, as well as reinforcing research and related innovation activities in the regional bioeconomy and electronics sectors.